Mrs Elaine O' Grady1, Mrs Sally Morrell1
1Ramsay Health Care, Joondalup Health Campus, Perth, Australia
Biography:
Elaine is a Senior Occupational Therapist working full time in the Emergency Department in Joondalup Health Campus.
Sally is an OT Specialist Clinical Coordinator of acute care and home visiting.
Abstract:
Background:
Frailty is a common condition within the geriatric population which can lead to higher risk of adverse health outcomes. During 2023/2024, older adult presentations accounted for approximately 22% of the total presentations to Joondalup Health Campus (JHC), Emergency Department (ED). In recent years, Occupational Therapy (OT) self-referrals and screening for frailty has been reduced due to caseload demands. In the absence of a formal frailty screening tool, this quality project aimed to streamline and enhance frailty identification using an evidence-based tool. This tool was used in addition to the Clinical Frailty Scale.
Method:
A literature review was completed to identify appropriate evidence-based screening tools. The "Think Frailty Tool" was selected for its adaptability and simplicity in recognising frailty in the ED. This five-point tool was modified to meet our population requirements with permission. This was formatted into a sticker to include key frailty indicators. Data from 2023 was used for comparison in the trial of the tool in 2024 for a three-month period. The team were educated on the use of the tool prior to commencement.
Results:
Results showed a 15% increase in OT self-referrals. Of these, 47% received a comprehensive assessment from OT targeting their frailty indicators and initiating early allied health referrals.
Discussion:
By initiating a frailty screening tool, there was an increase in OT activity targeting frailty in older adults. Future work to explore utilising the adapted "Think Frailty Tool" at triage would assist with early identification and timely referrals to allied health.